SearchSkip to content

How do lions kill their prey?

The method of killing varies with the species and size of the prey. Small animals are usually swatted down and then grabbed with both paws. The killing bite is directed at the back of the neck, throat, head or even the chest. Animals such as wildebeest, zebras and African buffalo are often killed by suffocation, the lion clamping its jaws over the mouth and nostrils of the prey.

Frequently, prey is held down by the pride, which starts feeding before the prey is dead. This quickly leads to the death of the prey animal. Many authors have indicated that prey animals are killed by breaking the neck. However, it is interesting to note that in several hundred kills examined buy George Schaller, an authority on lions, he could not find a single instance in which the preys neck was broken.

A lion is generally unable to run as fast as its prey, but when it charges unexpectedly, and the prey is still accelerating, it can come up from behind or even run alongside before attacking.

More information on Lion

Continue learning about Lion in Kruger National Park.

Are lions cannibalistic? Are lions sometimes injured by their prey? Are lions territorial? Are male lions more aggressive than females? Are the senses of a lion well developed? Are young adults expelled from the pride? At what age are lions sexually mature? Can lions climb trees? Can lions swim? Can the female lion roar? Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal? Do all male lions possess a mane? Do female lions secure food for their cubs? Do lions attack elephants? Do lions communicate well? Do lions eat carrion? Do lions have a social hierarchy? Do lions have enemies? Do lions hide during rainy weather? Do lions kill only when they are hungry? Do lions kill their prey quickly? Do lions move around during the day? Do lions often become man eaters? Do lions scavenge? Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt? Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes? Do the female lions do most of the hunting? Do the home ranges of lions overlap? Does a pride of lions accept a stranger? Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation? How far can the roar of a lion be heard? How large is the average lion pride? How long do African Lions sleep on average? How much meat can a lion consume during one meal? How often do female lions produce cubs? Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period? Is lion cub mortality high? Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another? Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa? What are lions breeding habits?
View Topic: Mammals
Are Aardwolves endangered? Are Aardwolves social animals? Are Blue wildebeest endangered? Are Brown Hyenas dangerous? Are cheetahs dangerous to man? Are cheetahs often robbed of their kill? Are cheetahs solitary animals? Are cheetahs territorial? Are Elands dangerous? Are hippos dangerous? Are honey badgers dangerous? Are Honey Badgers endangered? Are impalas endangered? Are Klipspringers easy to spot in Kruger National Park? Are Klipspringers endangered? Are leopards territorial? Are leopards very susceptible to disease? Are lions cannibalistic? Are lions sometimes injured by their prey? Are lions territorial? Are male lions more aggressive than females? Are Mountain Reedbucks dangerous? Are Mountain Reedbucks endangered? Are porcupines dangerous to humans? Are porcupines found in Kruger National Park? Are Porcupines rodents? Are Serval endangered? Are Servals social animals? Are spotted hyenas dangerous to humans? Are spotted hyenas endangered? Are spotted hyenas social animals? Are Suni endangered? Are Suni social animals? Are the senses of a lion well developed? Are there any conservation efforts in place to protect hippos in Kruger National Park? Are there any endangered mammal species in Kruger National Park? Are there any nocturnal mammals in Kruger National Park? Are there any predators that hunt Klipspringers in Kruger National Park? Are there black leopards in the Kruger Park? Are Thick Tailed Bushbabies territorial and to they actively defend their territory?

🦁 See These Animals in Real Life

Reading about lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo is one thing — experiencing them in the wild is something you will never forget.

At Kruger Park Hostel, we make it easy to turn your safari dreams into reality with affordable, guided Kruger safaris designed for backpackers, solo travellers, budget-conscious guests, and adventurous travellers visiting South Africa.

Explore Our Affordable Kruger Safaris